Cyathopharynx furcifer 'Uvira'

Cyathopharynx furcifer is one of the most spectacular cichlids in Lake Tanganyika, and the Uvira population is among the most vivid. Breeding males develop electric-blue colouration across the entire body combined with extraordinarily long trailing pelvic fins, while constructing massive sand-castle structures up to 30 cm in diameter as spawning arenas.

This species is a female mouthbrooder; females are attracted to the male's display, spawn at the peak of the structure, and then incubate the clutch alone. Groups of one male to several females in a large sandy aquarium produce the full natural display sequence.

C. furcifer requires very large aquariums with deep sand and open space. A purpose-built Cyathopharynx display is one of the most visually impressive of all African cichlid setups.

Water: 24–27°C, pH 7.8–9.0, GH 8–16, KH 6–14; deep fine sand of 8–10 cm for castle construction. Tank: 400 L minimum; large open sandy floor; rock border along back wall; powerful but gentle filtration. Feeding: Floating and sinking cichlid pellets; frozen Mysis and Artemia; varied diet twice daily. Breeding: Female mouthbrooder; males build sand castles; female holds 30–60 fry for 4–5 weeks. Compatibility: Peaceful with most Tanganyika species; avoid highly aggressive or sand-disturbing cichlids.